Gallagher Chiefs to host Stormers in Pukekohe
Chiefs Rugby Club have announced today, Pukekohe will host the Gallagher Chiefs ANZAC Day fixture against the Stormers at Navigation Homes Stadium in 2020.
The round 13 Investec Super Rugby match will see the Gallagher Chiefs return to Pukekohe for the first time since 2013, when the side won a thrilling 22-21 match against the Western Force.
Chiefs Rugby Club Chief Executive Officer Michael Collins said taking matches to the regions in Chiefs Country remained a priority for the Club.
“We are excited to announce Navigation Homes Stadium as our host venue for the Stormers game. We have a tremendous amount of support from our loyal northern fans and we are thrilled to provide Counties Manukau Provincial Union with the opportunity to host. The region has produced a number of talented Gallagher Chiefs for our Club over the years. We know the likes of Counties Manukau squad members Nepo Laulala and Orbyn Leger will be eager to earn their place in the twenty-three to play in front of their passionate home crowd.”
Collins added, “With the fixture taking place on ANZAC Day, it provides local fans a unique opportunity to commemorate ANZAC Day at the game. We have a lot of Gallagher Chiefs fans living in Auckland, so we are expecting plenty of them to take the opportunity of a shorter drive to support the team.”
Counties Manukau Interim General Manager Dale Tucker said, “Counties Manukau Rugby are super excited to have the Gallagher Chiefs back at Navigation Homes Stadium. It has been six years in the making. We have a lot of young people in our community playing the game that will be excited to see their superstars in our own backyard. We are confident that our local community and partners will get behind this great event.”
The fixture will kick off at the earlier time of 7.05pm, a more family-friendly time for younger fans to enjoy an evening at the game. Gallagher Chiefs members will be offered a 15% discount to attend the match in Pukekohe, being that it is not included in their seven game memberships. 2020 Memberships are available to purchase from: https://www.chiefs.co.nz/2020-memberships. Tickets for the Pukekohe fixture will be on sale in early January.
The 2020 Gallagher Chiefs squad will commence their pre-season training at the end of November, with the Gallagher Chiefs kicking off their Investec Super Rugby season against the Blues at Eden Park on Friday 31 January. They will return home in round two to play the Crusaders in their first home game of the season at FMG Stadium Waikato on Saturday 8 February.
Gallagher Chiefs vs. Stormers
Date: Saturday 25 April
Time: 7.05pm kick-off
Venue: Navigation Homes Stadium
2020 Gallagher Chiefs Investec Super Rugby draw
2020 Gallagher Chiefs squad
